U.S. patent application number 13/490878 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for air cleaner with integrated resonator.
This patent application is currently assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Harold V. Rodabaugh. Invention is credited to Harold V. Rodabaugh.
Application Number | 20130291500 13/490878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49511494 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130291500 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rodabaugh; Harold V. |
November 7, 2013 |
AIR CLEANER WITH INTEGRATED RESONATOR
Abstract
An air cleaner assembly includes an air cleaner cover and a
resonator. The air cleaner cover includes an air outlet having a
receiving portion configured to receive a resonator. The resonator
may be disposed within the receiving portion of the air outlet, and
may include a plurality of concentric baffles defining an inner
flow path, and an inner skin circumferentially disposed about the
inner flow path and in contact with a the plurality of concentric
baffles. The inner skin may define at least one opening. The inner
skin, the plurality of concentric baffles, and an inner surface of
the receiving portion may cooperate to define at least one back
volume. The at least one back volume may be in fluid communication
with the inner flow path through the at least one opening.
Inventors: |
Rodabaugh; Harold V.;
(Davison, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rodabaugh; Harold V. |
Davison |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS
LLC
Detroit
MI
|
Family ID: |
49511494 |
Appl. No.: |
13/490878 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61641938 |
May 3, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
55/462 ;
264/259 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F02M 35/14 20130101;
F02M 35/1216 20130101; F02M 35/1266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
55/462 ;
264/259 |
International
Class: |
B01D 45/08 20060101
B01D045/08; B29C 45/14 20060101 B29C045/14 |
Claims
1. An air cleaner assembly comprising: an air cleaner cover
including an air outlet, the air outlet including a receiving
portion configured to receive a resonator, the receiving portion
having an inner surface; a resonator disposed within the receiving
portion of the air outlet, the resonator including: a plurality of
concentric baffles defining an inner flow path; an inner skin
circumferentially disposed about the inner flow path and in contact
with the plurality of concentric baffles, the inner skin defining
at least one opening; wherein the inner skin, the plurality of
concentric baffles, and the inner surface of the receiving portion
cooperate to define at least one back volume; and wherein the at
least one back volume is in fluid communication with the inner flow
path through the at least one opening.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one back volume
and at least one opening cooperate to attenuate sound energy
transmitted through the inner flow path.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the dimensions of the at least
one back volume and at least one opening are configured to
attenuate sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 20
kHz.
4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the dimensions of the at least
one back volume and at least one opening are configured to
attenuate sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 4
kHz.
5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a duct including an
enlarged coupling portion configured to circumferentially extend
around, and couple with the air outlet.
6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the duct includes a second end
that is opposite the enlarged coupling portion, the second end
configured to couple with a compressor; and wherein the duct
fluidly couples the inner flow path with the compressor.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is integrally
formed with the air cleaner cover through injection molding.
8. An air cleaner assembly comprising: an air cleaner cover
including an air outlet, the air outlet including a receiving
portion configured to receive a resonator, the receiving portion
having an inner surface; a resonator disposed within the receiving
portion of the air outlet, the resonator including: a plurality of
concentric baffles defining an inner flow path; an inner skin
circumferentially disposed about the inner flow path and in contact
with the plurality of concentric baffles, the inner skin defining
at least one opening; wherein the inner skin, the plurality of
concentric baffles, and the inner surface of the receiving portion
cooperate to define at least one back volume; wherein the at least
one back volume is in fluid communication with the inner flow path
through the at least one opening; and wherein the at least one back
volume and at least one opening cooperate to attenuate sound energy
transmitted through the inner flow path.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the dimensions of the at least
one back volume and at least one opening are configured to
attenuate sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 20
kHz.
10. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the dimensions of the at least
one back volume and at least one opening are configured to
attenuate sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 4
kHz.
11. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a duct including an
enlarged coupling portion configured to circumferentially extend
around, and couple with the air outlet.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the duct includes a second
end that is opposite the enlarged coupling portion, the second end
configured to couple with a compressor; and wherein the duct
fluidly couples the inner flow path with the compressor.
13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the air outlet is integrally
formed with the air cleaner cover through injection molding.
14. An air cleaner assembly comprising: an air cleaner cover having
an integrally formed an air outlet, the air outlet including a
receiving portion configured to receive a resonator, the receiving
portion having an inner surface; a duct including an enlarged
coupling portion configured to circumferentially extend around, and
couple with the air outlet; a resonator disposed within the
receiving portion of the air outlet, the resonator including: a
plurality of concentric baffles defining an inner flow path; an
inner skin circumferentially disposed about the inner flow path and
in contact with the plurality of concentric baffles, the inner skin
defining at least one opening; wherein the inner skin, the
plurality of concentric baffles, and the inner surface of the
receiving portion cooperate to define at least one back volume;
wherein the at least one back volume is in fluid communication with
the inner flow path through the at least one opening; and wherein
the at least one back volume and at least one opening cooperate to
attenuate sound energy transmitted through the inner flow path.
15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the dimensions of the at
least one back volume and at least one opening are configured to
attenuate sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 20
kHz.
16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the dimensions of the at
least one back volume and at least one opening are configured to
attenuate sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 4
kHz.
17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the duct includes a second
end that is opposite the enlarged coupling portion, the second end
configured to couple with a compressor; and wherein the duct
fluidly couples the inner flow path with the compressor.
18. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the air outlet is integrally
formed with the air cleaner cover through injection molding.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/641,938, filed May 3, 2012, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to vehicle air
cleaner assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Forced-air induction systems allow vehicle engines to
increase their volumetric efficiency and power output by
compressing a greater mass of air and fuel into a combustion
cylinder prior to ignition. Such systems include a compressor
positioned between an air cleaner assembly and an intake manifold
of the engine. Due to the dynamics of the compressor and the engine
intake valves, forced-air intake systems tend to emit a
high-frequency sound that may travel in an upstream direction from
the compressor (i.e., through the air cleaner assembly and intake),
and may be perceived by occupants of the vehicle and/or bystanders.
In some circumstances, this high-frequency sound may be
undesirable.
SUMMARY
[0004] An air cleaner assembly includes an air cleaner cover and a
resonator. The air cleaner cover includes an air outlet having a
receiving portion configured to receive a resonator. The resonator
may be disposed within the receiving portion of the air outlet, and
may include a plurality of concentric baffles defining an inner
flow path, and an inner skin circumferentially disposed about the
inner flow path and in contact with a the plurality of concentric
baffles. The inner skin may define at least one opening. The inner
skin, the plurality of concentric baffles, and an inner surface of
the receiving portion may cooperate to define at least one back
volume. The at least one back volume may be in fluid communication
with the inner flow path through the at least one opening. In one
configuration, the air outlet may be integrally formed with the air
cleaner cover through injection molding.
[0005] The at least one back volume and at least one opening
cooperate to attenuate sound energy transmitted through the inner
flow path. In one configuration, the dimensions of the at least one
back volume and at least one opening are configured to attenuate
sound energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 20 kHz. In
another configuration, the dimensions of the at least one back
volume and at least one opening are configured to attenuate sound
energy having a frequency between 1 kHz and 4 kHz.
[0006] The air cleaner assembly may further include a duct having
an enlarged coupling portion configured to circumferentially extend
around, and couple with the air outlet. The duct may further
include a second end that is opposite the enlarged coupling
portion, and which is configured to couple with a compressor. As
such, the duct may fluidly couple the inner flow path with the
compressor.
[0007] The above features and advantages and other features and
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out
the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional diagram of a
vehicle engine.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an air
cleaner assembly with an integral resonator.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a resonator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals
are used to identify like or identical components in the various
views, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle engine 10
partially defining a combustion chamber 12, an intake port 14, and
an exhaust port. As is typical in the art, fresh air (and fuel) is
supplied to the combustion chamber 12 via the intake port 14 where
it is combusted to rotate a crankshaft 16.
[0012] Following the combustion, the hot exhaust gasses are
expelled from the combustion chamber 12 via the exhaust port. The
vehicle engine 10 may be an internal combustion engine (ICE) that
may operate either on the principle of spark-ignition (as with a
typical gasoline engine), or on the principle of
compression-ignition (as with a typical diesel engine).
[0013] The vehicle engine 10 may be in communication with an air
intake system 20 that includes an air cleaner assembly 22, a
compressor 24, and an intake manifold 26. Fresh air (generally
represented by arrow 28) may be drawn in through the air cleaner
assembly 22, where particulate debris and/or dust may be removed.
The air cleaner assembly 22 may include one or more porous filters
that may be permeable by air, yet adapted to restrict the passage
of other suspended object/compounds.
[0014] Following the air cleaner assembly 22, the fresh air 28 may
pass through a duct 30 en route to a compressor 24. The compressor
24 may increase the pressure of the fresh air to feed more
air/oxygen into the combustion chamber 12. This process may in turn
cause an increase the volumetric efficiency and power output of the
engine 10. As schematically illustrated, the compressor 24 may be a
component of a turbocharger, which uses the exhaust flow 32 to
power the compressor. Alternatively, the compressor 24 may be
driven by the crankshaft, such as in a supercharger. While a single
turbocharged intake assembly is schematically depicted in FIG. 1,
the system may similarly be configured to use multiple
turbochargers/superchargers in various configurations as known in
the art. Following the compressor 24, the air may pass through the
intake manifold 26 and then into the combustion chamber 12 via the
intake port 14.
[0015] During operation of the engine 12, noise may be generated by
the introduction of fresh air 28 into the air intake system 20
though an acoustic phenomena known as "intake pulsing." This noise
may be further amplified by the use of the compressor 24 to
generate the corresponding pressure boost. To counteract,
attenuate, and/or absorb the intake pulsing sound energy, a
resonator 40 may be integrated into the air cleaner assembly 22, as
will be described in greater detail below. As may be appreciated,
induction tuning of the air intake system 20 may not only reduce
unwanted noise, but it may also maximize air flow by minimizing or
counteracting the effects of standing waves and other acoustic
phenomena generated in the air intake system 20.
[0016] FIGS. 2-3 more clearly illustrate one configuration of a
resonator 40 that may be integrated within an air cleaner assembly
22. In one configuration, the resonator 40 may be a "Helmholtz
Resonator", which may utilize the Helmholtz resonance phenomena to
counteract or attenuate unwanted air intake noise. Referring to
FIG. 3, the resonator 40 may be disposed about an axis 50, and may
include a plurality of concentric baffles 52. The baffles 52 may be
any suitable shape, including, for example, and without limitation,
circular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and/or octagonal. The
plurality of concentric baffles may define an inner flow channel
54, which may be lined with an inner skin 56. The inner skin 56 may
include a plurality of openings 58 or perforations that may allow
the restricted passage of air between the inner flow channel 54 and
one or more back volumes 60 that are partially defined by the
baffles 52 and the inner skin 56. In one configuration, the inner
flow channel 54 may have a diameter of approximately 55-75 mm.
[0017] Referring again to FIG. 2, the resonator 40 may be
configured to be inserted within an air cleaner assembly 22. As
shown, the air cleaner assembly 22 may include a body 70 and a
cover 72 that may cooperate to define an air cleaner volume. The
cover 72 may be an injection molded component that may be formed
from, for example, a polypropylene material. The air cleaner
assembly 22 may include an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet
74 that are each in fluid communication with the air cleaner
volume. The air inlet may allow unfiltered fresh air to be received
by the air cleaner assembly 22, while the air outlet 74 may allow
filtered air to pass to the remainder of the intake system 20 and
the vehicle engine 10. A filter media (not shown) may be disposed
within the air cleaner volume between the air inlet and the air
outlet 74. The filter media may be a standard vehicle air filter
that is configured to filter out suspended dust, debris, and/or
particulate from the fresh air. In one configuration, as generally
shown in FIG. 2, the air outlet 74 may be entirely defined by the
cover 72.
[0018] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the air outlet 74 may
include a receiving portion 76 that is dimensioned to accept the
resonator 40 within the integrally molded walls of the air outlet
74. When the resonator 40 is installed within the receiving portion
76 of the air outlet 74, an inner surface 78 of the air outlet
74/cover 72 may cooperate with the inner skin 56 and the plurality
of concentric baffles 52 of the resonator 40 to define the at least
one back volume 60. In one configuration, the back volume 60
defined by the inner surface 78, inner skin 56, and the plurality
of concentric baffles 52 may be in fluid communication with only
the inner flow channel 54 (via the plurality of openings 58).
Additionally, the inner flow channel 54 of the resonator 40 may be
the sole flow-path out of the air cleaner assembly 22.
[0019] Following the installation of the resonator 40 within the
receiving portion 76, a duct 30 may be coupled with the air outlet
74, such as through the use of one or more clips 80. In one
configuration, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, the duct 30
may be configured with a enlarged coupling portion 82 that may slip
over the air outlet 74. Once in place, the duct 30 may be secured
in place via one or more tabs, screws, c-clips, or other similar
fastening devices. The duct 30 may include a series of bellows 84,
which may permit the duct 30 to flex, stretch, and/or compress in a
manner that may permit relative motion between the air cleaner
assembly 22 and the compressor 24 (which may be coupled to a second
end 86 of the duct 30.
[0020] The resonator 40 may be specifically tuned to resonate out
of phase with the intake pulsing generated/amplified by the
compressor 24. As known in the art, tuning may be accomplished by
manipulating the physical dimensions of the one or more back
volumes 60 along as by manipulating the size of the plurality of
openings/holes 58 in the inner skin 56 that lead to the back
volumes 60. In one configuration, the resonator 40 may be tuned to
attenuate audible frequencies between approximately 1 kHz and
approximately 20 kHz. In another configuration, the resonator may
be tuned to attenuate audible frequencies between approximately 1.0
kHz and approximately 4.0 kHz.
[0021] By integrally disposing the resonator 40 within the air
cleaner assembly 22, noise generated via the intake assembly may be
substantially attenuated before the sound waves are able to freely
exit the system. Furthermore, including the resonator as a
component of the air cleaner assembly 22 may have distinct
advantages over a system where the resonator is an ancillary and/or
downstream component. For example, such an integral design may
reduce packaging size of the intake assembly, may reduce component
interconnections, and may reduce the potential for air leaks.
[0022] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have
been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and
embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the
appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the
above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not as limiting.
* * * * *